Tim Wynes, J.D., DCTC interim president, pointed out that current classroom, lab and shop areas for programs in the college’s Transportation & Emerging Technologies areas require extensive renovation to modernize and improve workspace for students while enhancing space utilization and eliminating redundancies in specialized equipment. These areas have been largely untouched since they were originally constructed in 1970. High-quality technical education is essential to meet Minnesota’s workforce needs now and in the future.

“We deeply appreciate the commitment Representative Wills and Senator Clausen have shown to the students of Dakota County Technical College,” Wynes said. “This capital bonding project modernizes relevant classroom space dedicated to giving our students the qualifications and opportunities they need to secure high-paying jobs in our region. Senator Clausen and Representative Wills have been strong advocates for the college’s renovation project—and they have been tireless in their efforts to bring the project to fruition on our campus.”

Phase II: Transportation & Emerging Technologies Bonding Request

$7.586 million

Project at a glance

The two-phase renovation project impacts 118,000 square feet of classroom, lab and shop space used by the transportation and emerging programs

Impact on classrooms and college

63,000 square feet of space will be right-sized, reorganized and modernized for the first time since 1973

Improvements will significantly reduce the Facilities Condition Index from .29 to .22 and reduce energy consumption by 20–30 percent

Common instructional spaces will be created among multiple programs, eliminating redundancies in specialized equipment needs and improving space utilization and efficiency

Impact on workforce

Nearly 30 percent of Americans with associate’s degrees now make more than those with bachelor’s degrees according to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce; recent research in several states shows that on average, community college alumni right out of school make more than graduates of four-year universities. (cnn.com, February 2013)

STEM occupations are projected to grow by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, compared to 9.8 percent growth for non-STEM occupations. (U.S. Department of Commerce, July 2011)

The renovation project will strengthen DCTC’s relationships with business and industry leaders such as 3M, Ziegler Cat, Hysitron, General Motors, Raytheon, RDO, John Deere and Nanocopoeia by allowing the college to continue and improve its ability to provide high-quality curriculum, training and skilled workers

Impact on community and state

More than 95 percent of graduates from DCTC’s transportation and technical programs find employment in their field of study within six months of graduation (Verified December 2013)

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